Deng out against Hawks

Nick Friedell is the Chicago Bulls beat reporter for ESPN Chicago. Friedell is a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and joined ESPNChicago.com for its launch in April 2009.

DEERFIELD, Ill -- Luol Deng, who is battling a swollen left knee, missed the Bulls' game Monday night against the Atlanta Hawks.

The veteran forward did not participate in Monday morning's shootaround and was re-evaluated once he got to the United Center prior to tip-off.

"[He] didn't shoot around this morning," Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said before the game. "He's got some swelling in that knee. And with the back-to-backs he's a little bit sore, so he'll try to warm up and see how it feels."

James Johnson started in Deng's place. He scored nine points in Chicago's 116-92 loss.

Joakim Noah (plantar fasciitis) also sat out Monday night and Del Negro hinted that it could be a while before Noah sees the court again.

"It's hard," Rose said of all of the injuries. "With the players that we have, they're trying to play through it. The people that we just got, they're good players. So, we're not worried about who's out or whatever. We know we're missing some players, but we can't use that as an excuse."